Mutual Detest

Today's reading: 

• The  righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright. -- Proverbs 29:27, NIV

Thoughts:
We're sometimes naive. We sometimes think that, if we speak the truth clearly, people will respect it. We think that they will respect us.

We're sometimes naive. We sometimes think that, if we stand up for what's right, people will respect us.

We're sometimes naive. We sometimes think that, if we speak kindly and patiently, people will automatically response with kindness and patience, too.

Right behavior doesn't necessarily lead to respect, though. It only leads to respect and admiration from those who love right behavior. We want to believe the best of everyone, but the truth is that wicked people exist. And just as people who pursue what is right are scornful of wickedness and detest being in the presence of wicked people, wicked people who do not care about what is right are scornful of the upright.

This isn't an excuse to get violent and force our ways down other people's throats. But it is a wake up call. Being right doesn't mean you won't get attacked and treated with disrespect. Still, keep doing what is right. And be alert.